An Enlivening Visit To Serum Institute Of India27/01/2021
Wednesday, 20th January, the Consul General of Belgium Mr. Pierre- Emmanuel Brusselmans and AWEX Trade Commissioner Ms. Emmanuelle Timmermans along with Trade and Investment Team Ms. Tanuja Pawar and Ms. Heena Rathod, had the pleasure to revisit Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune. The meeting was nothing less than an exhilarating experience. AWEX & Walloon companies hold synergies with SII since long time as several Walloon companies have been providing their products and services to SII.
In the follow-up meeting this time, Dr. Umesh Shaligram, the Executive Director-SIIPL highlighted SII current increase in capacities leading to massive production options as well as the Institute’s work related to six different vaccines to prevent covid-19, and their new developments related to other diseases.
SII is at the forefront in playing a fundamental role in the fight against Covid. SII’s international recognition has recently peaked, thanks to its manufacturing of Astra-Zeneca Oxford Covishield Vaccine to be distributed in many countries over the world, through alliances with COVAX, GAVI, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation...
The Belgian delegation was warmly welcomed by the SII team as they visited their world class production facilities in SII Biotech Park and witnessed the new developments in their massive set-up in Manjri, where most of the processes are automated. During the visit they were shown bulk productions, fill and finish lines, the Covishield labelling and packaging department, the COVID-19 vaccine storage room, terminal 1, etc. Finally the Belgian delegation visited the new extension where new production lines are in the final stage of installation. As the SII has a capacity to dedicate several lines to the vaccines of its choice as long as they have the same production technology, this will provide the SII with the necessary production flexibility.
Sadly, the following day, there was a fire break-out in the premise and we express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Even before this tragedy one can only feel true respect and appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the staff of the SII in preparing and rolling out the much awaited vaccines and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.